Of course I went for the Lilydale report but my eyes often stray to other things on the page, if I have time. In light of this year, 2015, being the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, it is interesting to see what attitudes we still endorse and share and how we have changed. Also, to see what Lilydale's 1931 observance shared with the others: grand parade, a united service blind to religious denomination but always including "a devotional side" with hymns and prayers, the content of speeches, the minute silence, children's sports programme, etc.
I can't imagine anyone speaking for "the preservation of the Empire" in 2015 and perhaps even "love of native land" would more likely be "our Australian nation and our way of life", depending who is speaking. The old words duty and righteousness have been replaced by "with rights come responsibilities."
I note that even in 1931 speakers were declaring: "They had gathered together not for the glorification of war, for there was no real glory in war, but to honour the memory of those who had not come back." Heritage Lilydale is still working to do that.
AT LILYDALE IMPRESSIVE OBSERVANCE, GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST.
The celebration of Anzac Day at Lilydale seems to grow more impressive each year, and on Saturday there was a particularly large gathering at the united memorial service held on the recreation ground. The weather conditions were perfect. About 600 children from all parts of the municipality were present, as well as visitors from Windermere, Nabowla, Derby, and Launceston. The service was conducted by the Revs. R. G. Hunt (Methodist), W. T. Baker (Presbyterian), and M. J. Stephens (Church of England); and Captain Shaw, of the Salvation Army.
A short address was given by Mr. W. Wilson, president of the Lilydale branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A., who stressed the need for maintaining the ideals of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty of the men of Anzac, which were essentially for the preservation of the Empire. He urged the children to love and serve their native land, and to live in such a way that their lives would be a memorial to the men who had given their lives for their country.
An inspiring address was given by Mr. Hunt, who said that after the noise and tumult of battle had gone they were able to view Anzac Day in its true perspective. There was a need, he said, to separate the spirit of Anzac from the spirit of war. After all, the war merely gave the spirit of the Anzacs an opportunity for expression.That spirit of Anzac was still alive, and it found expression in many ways. They had gathered together not for the glorification of war, for there was no real glory in war, but to honour the memory of those who had not come back. Australians should appreciate the liberty and other privileges which had been won by sacrifice and endeavour, and should endeavour to make themselves worthy. They must not allow their memories to become dimmed.
After the singing of the "Recessional", the "Last Post" was sounded by Mr. F. Franklin, and as the last notes faded Mr. P. Chick, one of the original Anzacs, raised the flag from half-mast to the top of the staff. The Benediction concluded the service.
CHILDREN'S SPORTS.
An interesting programme of children's sports was held in the afternoon, under the supervision of Mr. E D. Weston and helpers. The chief event was the flag race for the Anzac Shield which was won by the Lilydale school with Bangor second and Lalla third. The whole of the cost of the transport of the children and their meals was borne by the Lilydale branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. The committee comprised Messrs. E. D. Bennett (secretary), R. L. Bardenhagen (treasurer), G. Bennett, R. J. McGowan, P. Chick, D. Whiting, and E. D. Weston, assisted by a women's committee.
At night a concert was held, when a programme was given by Miss Nora Webster and party from Launceston.
Special services were held in all in churches yesterday.
GLENORCHY OBSERVANCE. (1931, April 27). The Mercury(Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved October 18, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29906138